According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an average of 175 Americans each year die of heat-related illness. Perhaps the most severe form of such heat-related illnesses is heatstroke, a very severe and potentially fatal condition.
Jake Deutsch, MD, considers heatstroke to be one of the most dangerous forms of heat-related illness. “In effect, the master circuits of the body’s “computers” have shut down," says Dr. Deutsch. “This (can lead) to circulatory collapse, seizure, and coma. It’s a true life-threatening emergency."
If you or someone else intends to spend a prolonged period outdoors in extremely hot weather, it’s important to understand heatstroke risks and the symptoms of a possible heatstroke.
What’s a heatstroke and why does it happen?
A heatstroke is a condition where the body becomes overheated. Under normal circumstances, the body copes with exposure to heat by actively cooling the body down. Many people mistakenly credit sweating with keeping the body cool. In fact, it’s the evaporation of sweat that is essential for helping to prevent heat illness. This regulates the body’s temperature.
When the body’s internal temperature exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s very possible a heatstroke can occur.